Minister of State Lunn Congratulates 2010 Paralympic Team Members and Jean Labonté on Being Named Canada's Flag-Bearer at the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony
VANCOUVER, March 9, 2010 -- The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport), today congratulated the 2010 Winter Paralympic team members and Jean Labonté, the sledge hockey captain, on being named Canada's flag-bearer at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony in Vancouver on March 12.
"Our Government congratulates all the Paralympic athletes who have been chosen to represent Canada at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler," said Minister of State Lunn. "We also extend special congratulations to Jean Labonté on having accepted the honour of acting as Canada's flag-bearer at the Opening Ceremony."
"Canada's Paralympic athletes are an enormous source of pride for all Canadians, and our Government is proud to support and promote greater awareness of Paralympic sports," added Minister of State Lunn. "On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate all our athletes and coaches who will be participating in these Games."
Jean Labonté of Gatineau, Québec, has competed in three previous Paralympic Winter Games, earning a gold medal in 2006 and a silver in 1998. He is one of the most decorated and admired athletes in the sport, having played in five International Paralympic Committee Sledge Hockey World Championships, winning gold in 2000 and 2008 and bronze in 1996 and 2009.
The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will be a historic event in Canadian sport. These Games, which are taking place from March 12 to 21, are the first Paralympic Winter Games held in Canada. Canada will be represented by 55 athletes who will take part in a sport competition schedule being held at venues in Vancouver and Whistler. More than 1300 athletes, coaches, and team officials from 44 countries will participate in these Paralympic Games.
Canada is honoured to welcome the world to the Paralympic Winter Games. The Government of Canada is the largest single contributor to sport in this country and strongly supports sport participation and physical activity among people of all ages and abilities.
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable
Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1191
vanessa.schneider@pch.gc.ca
Government of Canada
2010 Winter Games
Media Enquiry Centre
613-998-2010
1-877-760-2010
media2010@canada.gc.ca
www.canada2010.gc.ca/media
"Our Government congratulates all the Paralympic athletes who have been chosen to represent Canada at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler," said Minister of State Lunn. "We also extend special congratulations to Jean Labonté on having accepted the honour of acting as Canada's flag-bearer at the Opening Ceremony."
"Canada's Paralympic athletes are an enormous source of pride for all Canadians, and our Government is proud to support and promote greater awareness of Paralympic sports," added Minister of State Lunn. "On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate all our athletes and coaches who will be participating in these Games."
Jean Labonté of Gatineau, Québec, has competed in three previous Paralympic Winter Games, earning a gold medal in 2006 and a silver in 1998. He is one of the most decorated and admired athletes in the sport, having played in five International Paralympic Committee Sledge Hockey World Championships, winning gold in 2000 and 2008 and bronze in 1996 and 2009.
The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will be a historic event in Canadian sport. These Games, which are taking place from March 12 to 21, are the first Paralympic Winter Games held in Canada. Canada will be represented by 55 athletes who will take part in a sport competition schedule being held at venues in Vancouver and Whistler. More than 1300 athletes, coaches, and team officials from 44 countries will participate in these Paralympic Games.
Canada is honoured to welcome the world to the Paralympic Winter Games. The Government of Canada is the largest single contributor to sport in this country and strongly supports sport participation and physical activity among people of all ages and abilities.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Vanessa Schneider
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable
Gary Lunn, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1191
vanessa.schneider@pch.gc.ca
Government of Canada
2010 Winter Games
Media Enquiry Centre
613-998-2010
1-877-760-2010
media2010@canada.gc.ca
www.canada2010.gc.ca/media